A combination of a pristine golf course, red-hot run of form and beautiful weather came to Kyle McClatchie’s aid as his sizzling 11-under-par 61 on Thursday, handed him a two-shot lead of the Bushveld Tour’s two-day event held at Waterkloof Golf Club.
It was a classic performance by McClatchie on day one of this two-day event, as the 25-year old produced a bogey-free round to beat Ryan Van Velzen to the summit.
“The course today was in perfect condition,” said McClatchie after his round. “The greens are running smooth and the conditions were perfect for golf. You can only score low when the golf course is in this condition.”
That was obvious from early on in the round for Serengeti Estates golfer as he made two pars and an eagle in his first three holes. Those gains were followed by three birdies – on the fourth, fifth and seventh holes as he turned bogey-free and five-under on the front nine.
McClatchie did not relent on the back nine as Van Velzen and Michael Kok kept the pressure on. He birdied both 10 and 11, and the par on 12 was followed by back-to-back birdies on 13 and 14. Another birdie on 16 and then another on 18 to seal a solid round of golf, while taking the lead at the halfway mark of this 36-hole tournament.
“I felt comfortable out there today.,” added Ritchie, “I have generally played well on this course before and it was nice to get back out there and continue that way. I have not won any of the Bushveld events; I came close at Serengeti but lost to Burke (Christiaan), so it’s nice to put yourself in a good position once again.”
Having already secured his Sunshine Tour playing privileges, and while appreciative of the regular playing opportunities the Bushveld Tour provides, McClatchie has clearly defined targets as he aims for a maiden victory on the home of the one-day events.
“I’ve been playing nicely and just trying to keep myself busy in a competitive situation so that when the Sunshine Tour season starts in May, I’m ready to go. However, we do appreciate the opportunities Bushveld gives us because these events keep you competitive,” he added.
An eagle-laden 63 characterised Van Velzen’s round. Eagles on the seventh, 16th and 18th holes accompanied birdies made on the second, the 13th and 14th as Van Zelzen sealed the second spot ahead of the final round.
Kok carded a blemish-free 66 to take the third spot.
